National Zoo

Sited on 163 wooded acres along the slopes of Rock Creek Park, the 120-year-old Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of the most scenic zoos in the country.

The park’s lovable giant panda bears — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Bao Bao — usually get top billing, but there’s much more to discover among the 2,000 animals and 400 different species represented here.

See, for instance:

Orangutans swing from 50-foot-high outdoor towers

Sea lions train at 11:15 am daily

Two-toed sloths play peek-a-boo in the Amazonia rainforest exhibit

Parrots swoop by in an indoor flight room.

There’s plenty here for a full day’s outing. To see the pandas when the crowds are lightest, plan to stop by between 8 and 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. If they’re awake, the pandas will likely be munching on bamboo.

Travel Tips

The Zoo has an ample supply of eating options. On top of your typical hotdog stands, the Zoo has restaurants and cafes scattered throughout, serving food from burgers to grilled chicken sandwiches. The Zoo also encourages visitors to picnic. Picnic areas around the Zoo grounds work on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware that, besides coolers, cooking devices (such as grills) are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

Strollers are available for rent for use at the Zoo. Ask for information at any Zoo kiosk.

Zoo maps are available at the Visitor Center and any information kiosk for a small fee. If you want to carry around a map, but not pay for one, you can print one ahead of time from the Zoo web site.

Special Events

The National Zoo has many special events throughout the year. From Easter Monday egg hunts, to ZooLights in December.

There is no admission fee to enter the National Zoo. Parking nearby is limited, so the parking lots at the zoo do have a fee. If you do not need your car, you can use Metro and avoid the need for parking.